I was told when the installer tried to program the smart start modules that idata and viper both aren't compatible with my firmware?

Anyone have the smart start?

 

Yes.

 

So I took my RDX to another installer with a great reputation and what a wonderful experience.

I ended up going with a DroneMobile unit from compustar because it is easier to upgrade in the future if I want to. My wife has the Viper so I have experience with both brands now. Here are a few observations.

1) I got the add-on that unlocks all the doors when I walk up to the car and I am within 6 feet. It does add a tiny "dongle" to my fob but it is small and doesn't bug me. This works if the remote start is used or not. Great feature that the installer threw in for free since I am in the military.

2) The car does shut off when I open the door or walk within 6 feet with my proximity dongle. He said this happens with most push to start cars. There are ways around it for many models but not for the RDX...yet.

3) Not a feature of the autostart but the installer ROCKS and got it to work. He was able to program it so that when I click the lock button 3 times on my factory key fob it will start the car! No additional key fob needed. TAKE THAT ACURA! But (and this is a big but), you are limited by the range of the factory fob. That is why I have my iphone if needed and range isn't an issue! This feature rocks because up here in Alaska people often leave their cars running when they are running into the store or to grab a bite to eat. So it is a piece of cake to get out of the car and just click the lock button 3 times and the car will run for up to 25 minutes. Awesomeness and I don't have to pull out my phone or carry an extra autostart fob...ACURA!

When comparing the Viper Smartstart and the Drone. They both work well and I don't prefer one or the other for functionality. BUT...the Drone is more versatile. The GPS tracking, battery voltage reporting, speed monitoring, geofencing and temp reporting are all in the system already and you have to add them on the Viper. These features aren't active in the Drone unless you subscribe to the premium service, which I don't. BUT...when my daughter starts driving in a few years I WILL be activating these features and I won't have to add any hardware like I would with the Viper.

Also, I get one year of basic service for free with Drone ($50 savings). Viper makes you pay the first year ($50 extra at start up).

So, that is my take on it. Hopefully it makes sense. I will edit this if it is confusing.

EDIT: Also, the price would have been the same for either the Viper or the Drone. So that wasn't a factor (except for the extra features included in the Drone if you activate them).

 

DELETED. EXTRA POST. Sorry.

 

Thanks for the nice write-up! I have a Viper that is basically the older version of 5906V and I have temp reporting and smart start. I did not activate smart start because I didn't see a need for it.

 

Acura now offers a remote start on the RDX, I found it yesterday when I was browsing their site to see what options I want.... maybe op should talk to a GOOD acura dealer and see if it is possible to get it installed?

 

The Acura remote start doesn't allow you to use your phone to start your car. Also, the Acura remote start has an additional fob.